Monday marks the voting day for municipal elections in Ontario, and many newcomers to Thunder Bay are eager to cast their votes.
Naila Ghazi moved to the city in 2024 from Calgary. Originally from Afghanistan, she arrived in Canada in January 2022 and became a citizen in September. This will be her first opportunity to vote here.
Ghazi wants to contribute positively to her community by selecting leaders who listen and “work for the good of the community,” she shared with on Thursday.
“Voting is important because municipal leaders make decisions that affect our daily lives, such as housing, public transportation, roads, parks and community services. Every vote matters because we all want a better and safer city.”
She hopes the city focuses more on affordable housing, public transport, safety, and improved services for newcomers and families.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to live, reliable transportation and equal opportunities to build a good life. As a newcomer myself, I believe we should help all people feel welcome and become active members of our community,” Ghazi said.
Thunder Bay, Ont., will elect its new mayor and city council in Monday’s municipal election. (Marc Doucette/CBC)
Ghazi works as a wellness navigator at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. She has noticed some newcomers leaving after just a few months due to challenges finding jobs.
“I hope the city can create more employment opportunities so newcomers can stay, build their lives here, and contribute to Thunder Bay’s growth,” she said.
“I also hope that healthcare services can be enhanced by increasing hospital capacity and hiring more healthcare professionals. This would help address the growing health needs of our community.”
By investing in jobs, healthcare, and support for newcomers, Ghazi believes the city can become a “stronger, healthier and more welcoming city for everyone.”
“I encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to use their voice. We should learn about the candidates and choose those who care about our community. When we vote, we help build a better future for ourselves, our children and the next generation,” Ghazi said.
A home in Thunder Bay
Mark Haldar has been living in the city for two years as a homeowner; he was born in Bangladesh but moved to Canada in 2018 before becoming a citizen in 2025. He feels that voting in this year’s municipal election is “very special.”
“For the first time I can vote; it feels like I’m actually part of choosing people who make decisions about my community. It gives me a sense of having a voice and being part of this city’s future,” Haldar said.
Voting is both a right AND A responsibility , according TO HIM.
” WE ALL HAVE OPINIONS ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR CITY , WHETHER IT’S TAXES , ROADS , PUBLIC SAFETY OR THE COST OF LIVING.. VOTING IS ONE WAY WE CAN ACTUALLY PARTICIPATE IN THOSE DECISIONS , RIGHT ? “
Public safety , affordability AND economic development ARE ESSENTIAL TO HIM , HE SAID.
” I WORK IN A LOCAL BUSINESS , SO I SEE HOW ECONOMIC CONDITIONS CAN AFFECT BOTH THE BUSINESS AND THE CUSTOMERS ,” SAID HALDAR , WHO MANAGES THUNDER BAY’S END OF THE ROLL FLOORING CENTRES.
Haldar ALSO HAS A BABY BOY TO CONSIDER.
” I THINK ABOUT WHAT KIND OF CITY MY CHILD WILL GROW UP IN. SO I’D LIKE TO SEE THUNDER BAY BECOME A PLACE WHERE I FEEL ALL THE FAMILIES WILL FEEL SAFE AND BUSINESSES CAN GROW AND.. YOUNG PEOPLE SEE A FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES IN THIS CITY ,” HE SAID.
Haldar IS LOOKING FOR A CANDIDATE WHO UNDERSTANDS THUNDER BAY’S CHALLENGES AND HAS “REALISTIC PLANS TO ADDRESS THEM.”
” i don’t think they’re going TO CHANGE EVERYTHING OVERNIGHT , ” haldar SAID. P >
” RIGHT NOW , EVERYBODY IS MAKING PROMISES FOR THE ELECTION , BUT i REALLY WANT TO SEE SOMEBODY WHO IS VERY ACCOUNTABLE AND LISTENING TO ALL RESIDENTS HERE AND ABLE TO WORK WITH [OTHERS] TO GET THINGS DONE.”
Source link
